Should you be tested for Alzheimer’s?

In many cases, families seek expert counseling when they suspect that a loved one might need Alzheimer’s care. But it is not necessary to wait for others to bring up the subject. You know yourself well, and you can probably identify new challenges you may be experiencing. Consider talking to your family doctor about these issues.

Why get tested?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, ten warning signs typically warrant a discussion with your doctor. Their website covers these signs in detail and can help you distinguish between them and typical age-related changes. You can find this information here:

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs

Memory loss that disrupts daily life
New Challenges in planning or solving problems
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Confusion with time or place
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
New problems with words in speaking or writing
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
Decreased or poor judgment
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Changes in mood and personality.

If there is no current cure for Alzheimer’s, why should I get tested?

It’s understandable to feel anxiety about memory changes and decide that you’d rather not know if something is seriously wrong. But there might be other, more treatable reasons you’re experiencing memory problems, and your doctor could address those reasons.

There are also practical reasons to get tested. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, patients report that they are glad to know their diagnosis as soon as possible for the following reasons:

Access to early-stage treatment options that can reduce or slow the decline. With early detection and treatment, you may preserve your independence for a bit longer.
An opportunity to participate in clinical trials, which could lead to better control of your condition.
A chance to prioritize your health and get other conditions under control. Many people with Alzheimer’s have other health conditions which can complicate their treatment.
To lessen your anxiety. Not knowing what’s at the root of your problems can only increase your stress level.
To allow you to do things you’ve always wanted to do. Some spouses of Alzheimer’s patients say that an earlier diagnosis would have allowed them to fulfill some lifelong dreams together before it was too late.
Cost savings. An early diagnosis can save your family a significant amount of money on medical bills and long-term care.
To have more time to plan what you want in terms of care and give you a chance to participate in legal and financial decisions. You would be able to choose your caregivers and make decisions about your future. Doing this could help prevent disagreement within your family and ease the burden on your caregivers.

Talking to your doctor about Alzheimer’s and getting diagnosed early also gives you some much-needed time to plan your future Alzheimer’s care. If given a choice, most people would probably prefer to select their memory care location. But by the time memory care is needed, people with Alzheimer’s may be unable to make this choice. By getting diagnosed early, you can ensure that your wishes will be respected.

Avalon Memory Care provides compassionate, dignified bedside care for people with Alzheimer’s in Arlington, Irving, and Houston. To discuss your future care needs, call us at (972) 713-1383.

Resources

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis/why-get-checked

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Testimonials

“Since my mother has lived at Avalon, I have had peace of mind for the first time since Alzheimer’s began to exact its terrible price from my mother’s life. Thank you for your part in making our lives better.”

Daughter | Ft. Worth, TX

“I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the care and love afforded to my mom over the last two weeks. Your success in finding such quality people has my gratitude and respect.”

Daughter | Dallas, TX

“We are very pleased with all of the efforts that your caring staff has made to smooth this traumatic transition.”

Son | Plano, TX

“I know my husband had the very best care in his final days. I regret that I did not know about Avalon sooner.”

Wife | Dallas, TX

“Mom spent the final 8 months of her life in Avalon Memory Care in Allen. The staff was great. There was rarely a day that my brother or I did not come by and they were always friendly to us and did their best to make mom comfortable and happy. We really appreciated them for everything they did.”

Daughter | Allen, TX

“Making the decision to place my mother in residential memory care was the hardest thing I think I have ever done. But living at Avalon has been the best thing for her at this stage of her life.”

Daughter | Allen, TX

“My grandmother has lived at Avalon Memory Care for 6 months now. I cannot speak highly enough about the warmth, dedication, and caring compassion of the staff. They always make us feel welcome and go out of their way to work with us to accommodate grandma’s needs.”

Grandson | Arlington, TX

“My grandmother spent her final days at Avalon and we couldn’t have asked for a better place to care for her. The caregivers are attentive and kind, and many of them have been with Avalon for years. If you are looking for a place to love on you and your family in a season that is inevitably difficult, Avalon is a wonderful choice.”

Granddaughter | Arlington, TX

“We are delighted with the facility of Avalon Memory Care. We just placed Grandma in an apartment with them and couldn’t be happier. It is clean and well-lit, and everyone greets us, down to the folks who clean up.”

Granddaughter | Arlington, TX